Common Mistakes People Make When Packing

Packing up your house and belongings is a drawn out and time consuming task, especially if you have lived in the premises for many years and have accumulated a lot of possessions. It can be overwhelming and you may not know quite where to start, what to pack first or how to safely pack your fragile items, so we've put together a list of common mistakes people make while packing boxes.

POOR QUALITY PACKING MATERIALS
Using the incorrect boxes with many miss-matched sizes can in the long run cost time and money if they rip or are susceptible to damage. It's best to either hire or buy your own professional packing boxes (and re-sell them afterwards if you don't plan on using them in the near future). Professional packing boxes are strong, sturdy and often provide specialty boxes such as those for hanging clothes or picture frames/mirrors. Don't forget about good quality packing tape. Insulation tape in NOT suitable. Make sure any boxes you have taken from storage are clean and free of dust and debris as this may affect the way tape sticks to boxes.

OVER PACKING
People will often over pack their boxes to save on materials. However, you could cause injury to yourself when trying to lift heavy boxes or the box may not be able to hold the weight of your possessions. Check the weight of boxes as you pack. You can always pack a mixture of heavy and light items, for example, half books and half bath towels.

LEAVING IT TO THE LAST MINUTE
As soon as you have made the decision to move house you should start organising and start packing. This means that you have plenty of time, which means reduced stress, and you can sort through items as you pack, getting rid of old or unwanted items.

PACKING VALUABLES WRONG
This means anything of value or fragile nature. We don't recommend using new paper to wrap or protect your fragile items because ink can often rub off on items and paintings. Use acid free tissue paper, foam wrap, bubble wrap or purpose made packing boxes. Line the bottom of the box with bubble wrap or linen and again on top. Always place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. You can use news paper to fill in gaps and help cushion and protect fragile items from bumping around during transit.

NOT PACKING AN ESSENTIALS BOX
An essentials box is just a box of items you can't do without during the first couple of days. This can include anything from a change of clothes and toiletries, baby items and pet items or a couple of things to cook and eat with.

FORGET TO CHECK WHAT YOUR MOVERS WONT TRANSPORT
Most professional house movers are unable to transport hazardous items such as chemicals, flammable, explosive or corrosive substances, perishable foods, animals and sometimes plants. Always check with your removalist what they can't transport so you can make other arrangements.

PACKING IN THE WRONG ORDER
Always begin with items you know you will not need. The garage is a good lace to start, and with a tidy garage you have room to store other boxes you have packed. If possible stack boxes off the ground to avoid getting damp, crates are a good for this. Other areas to sort and pack are old toys, home libraries, small kitchen appliances, paintings and decorative or fragile items should all be packed first. Pack the rest of the kitchen and bathrooms towards the end.